Microsoft's free block and JavaScript editor for the micro:bit, with an on-screen simulator so code can be tested before it goes onto the device.
Creative Replace
Pairs clip red, amber and green LEDs to a micro:bit and code the UK traffic-light sequence, with a button that brings in a pedestrian phase.
Each student codes a micro:bit to show a random rock, paper or scissors icon of their own design when it is shaken, then plays a classmate.
Creative Transform
Students build a lantern from willow, card and tracing paper and code the micro:bit inside it so its light pattern changes when a passing visitor's shadow falls across it.
Pairs design a card night lantern for a Reception child, program a micro:bit in MakeCode to light up when the light level drops, and adjust the program after testing it in a dark cupboard.
Groups take temperature readings around the school vegetable beds for a week with micro:bits, then code an alarm that shows a snowflake, and keeps showing it, once the temperature falls below a level they chose from their readings.
Six groups code micro:bits to send sound levels by radio from different parts of the school, the class watches the readings arrive as a live graph, and they build a noise map from it.
Pairs program a micro:bit pacer that beats out a step rate and shows a model heart whose beat rises and recovers by rules they write, then test the model against their own pulses in a step test and rewrite its rules.
Interactive Replace
Pairs run a teacher-provided micro:bit program in the MakeCode simulator, press each virtual input, record what happens and test a prediction by swapping two event handlers.
Interactive Transform
Pairs work through a week of micro:bit light readings from three places the class chose, find what fraction of each day each place was lit, and group the hours to build fraction families.
This page is one of a growing set of PICRAT examples by cell, subject and grade. Page maintained by Andy Perryer.